This article is a continuation of the article Paris Green Tours in the 16th Arrondissement And constitutes a kind of appendix of perfection.
Secrets of Le Marais: A Journey into the Historic and Chic Heart of Paris
Join us on a virtual journey to the most fascinating district in Paris. Together we will discover hidden courtyards, French nobility, and the true stories behind the magnificent facades.
Part B: The 16th Perimeter Railway (La Petite Ceinture du 16e)
The planted promenade of the 12th arrondissement, stretching from the Opera House in the Bastille to the eastern limits of the city, is very well known, but few have set foot on the green path of the 16th arrondissement. When you leave the Marmottan Monet Museum, if you fancy a quiet country walk, turn right towards the old railway line that connected Moët and Auteuil and ceased operation in 1985. What was once the Auteuil line is now a park, a piece of nature covered in lush vegetation that is 1.3 km long. The park actually connects the Ranelagh Garden in the north to the Porte d'Auteuil in the south and runs along the Boulevard de Beauséjour.
Three entrances to the park: on Boulevard de Beausejour, on Rue Ranelagh and at Porte Douty. You can of course start your trip at Porte Douty, as recommended by the city hall's virtual tour. ParisThe route includes six stations, each of which is presented and explained for the visitor's enjoyment.
The Otay Greenway opened to the public in 2007. Its daily care is overseen by seven apprentice gardeners under the auspices of an association that works to rehabilitate and integrate people into the community. After a probationary period of one and a half to two years, the apprentices will become regular gardeners serving the capital's green spaces. The park is tended primarily by hand and using organic methods. No pesticides are used and there is no artificial irrigation.
It's hard to believe that in the 16th arrondissement you can pick red berries and eat them, right from the bush, but that's what we did when we accidentally discovered, to our amazement, the almost wild park where nature has once again taken over. A comfortable walking path has been prepared, but the track has been completely removed, and on both sides of the path, flora and fauna celebrate their freedom. The gardeners' intervention is indeed very subtle, but necessary because without it, certain trees that show a tendency to be invasive – the maple, the buddleia and the black locust – would gradually take over the space.
The park is home to 80 species of wild animals, some of which are rare, and 200 species of plants, none of which have been planted. Everything develops and grows naturally on site. Trees, shrubs, climbing plants, ferns, birds, butterflies and insects live in a sensitive ecological corridor, please be considerate! Meadows, woods, clearings, limestone slopes, high and low walls and humid habitats serve as a refuge for a diverse range of animals as secret relationships are forged between them. One of the most surprising places, not only in the 16th arrondissement but also in all of Paris!
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligne_de_Petite_Ceinture
This link has a lot of information about the Perimeter Train that ran around Paris and was used by many passengers. It was discontinued in 1985. It is heartbreaking to see how things disappear and touching to see the successful efforts to preserve their memory.
Hi Orna
I'm interested in doing the route, but is it a safe place to hike there?
Definitely.
This is a super safe area.